PONCET DAVIS Jr.

DAVIS , JR., PONCET, 79, of Bal Harbour, Florida, devoted husband of Astra and friend to many, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2010. Poncet was born in Akron, Ohio to Poncet Sr. and Katharine Davis, who were pioneers in the country's rubber business. He attended Culver Academy in Culver, Indiana where he was a member of the esteemed Black Horse Brigade, and later attended and graduated from Princeton University. After college, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country proudly for several years. He then went to work for his family businesses, Robbins Tire and Robbins Flooring, "Flexco" which were manufacturers of both rubber and vinyl products used in various industries throughout the world. He moved from Akron, Ohio to Sheffield, Alabama in the mid 50's as he took over the leadership role in the companies which were based in the Muscle Shoals, Alabama area. Under his leadership, the company became a major player in his industry and through expansions and acquisitions provided employment for hundreds of families over the years. Poncet maintained as his second home for the past fifty years, a suite of rooms at the Sea View Hotel in Bal Harbour, where he had met and married his wife, Astra. He, on occasion, occupied positions of leadership in the hotel and endeared himself to his fellow occupants of the hotel. Poncet was predeceased in death by his wife Astra of some 47 years and his sister, Katharine "Trinka" Rynne of New York City. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday April 29 at the Church by the Sea, 501-96th Street, Bal Harbour, Florida and on Monday at 11:00 a.m. on May 3 at the First Presbyterian Church, Sheffield, Alabama. There will be a private graveside burial service afterwards at Oakwood Cemetery in Sheffield after the funeral. In lieu of flowers, the family has request donations be made to The Auburn University Foundation, Auburn, Alabama or to the Church by the Sea, 501-96th Street, Bal Harbour, Florida 33154. BLASBERG-RUBIN-ZILBERT (305) 865-2353 View this Guest Book at www. MiamiHerald.com/obituaries.